Copyright

Explaining aspects of copyright to be aware of when studying, lecturing or undertaking research. Please note that information on these pages is for guidance only: it does not constitute formal legal advice.

How long does copyight last?

Because sound recordings may comprise various elements, there are three types of copyright which may apply:

Music - Copyright for a musical work expires after 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the composer died

Words - For spoken word recordings or where a piece of recorded music has accompanying lyrics or text, this text is copyrighted until after 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the author died

Recording - Copyright for a recording expires after 50 years from the end of the calendar year in which it was released.

What copying is allowed?

UK legislation has some allowances for the copying and use of sound recordings, for example:

It is permissible to copy all or a substantial part of a recording for the purpose of criticism or review, providing that due acknowledgement is given.

It is permissible to use copies made from recordings for the sole purpose of illustration for instruction. It must be non-commercial use and the copy made by a person giving or receiving the instruction; and it must be made available only through a secure electronic network.

It is permissible to use copies made from recordings as part of an examination or as part of other work submitted for the purpose of examination. Such copies should be destroyed once the examination has taken place. This allowance does not extend to the making of a reprographic copy of a musical work for use by an examination candidate in performing the work.

Further copying

In order to be allowed to copy recordings that are still in copyright, you must:

have explicit permission from the rights holders, or

hold a licence to copy the material, or

be permitted to do so by legislation, as in the examples above.

It is normally necessary to seek permissions in order to be allowed to use commercially-produced recorded music. Permission has to be sought from three parties: composer, music publisher and record company. Consequently, obtaining the necessary licences can be a bureaucratic and expensive process.

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